This small, delicately fashioned dagger was made within the Mughal empire in the mid-17th century and has a later Indian scabbard. The quality of the craftsmanship in the nephrite goat's head, which has an open mouth, exposing its tongue, suggests it may have been made in the royal workshops. The openwork silver collar is damaged, and is later, perhaps added to conceal damage where the hilt joins the blade. The dagger was bought by the museum in 1874 from William Tayler, who described it as 'Old Indian'. Tayler was educated in England at Charterhouse and also spent a term at Christ Church, Oxford. He entered service with the East India Company on 30th April 1829, arriving in India in October of the same year. He held various posts in Bengal and was appointed Commissioner of Patna in 1855. During his service, he was able to acquire many objects, including hardstones, relating to the customs and religions of India as well as objects from other parts of South Asia. He was criticised for his handling of the uprisings in Northern India and was moved to a lesser post before being suspended, ultimately resigning on 29th March 1859. He then practised as an advocate in the law courts of Bengal before returning to England in 1867. He wrote a book about his experiences, entitled Thirty-eight Years in India in which he states that "After my return to England, circumstances induced me, though with great reluctance, to part with the collection which is now in the South Kensington Museum".